Publication:

A study on the paediatric cases admitted in the otorhinolaryngology department in a tertiary care centre

Background In paediatric otorhinolaryngology, abnormalities of the nose, throat, and ears are studied about the development of the head and neck structures. Otorhinolaryngological problems are one of the most common causes of medical consultation among paediatrics. The purpose of this retrospective study is to identify the disease patterns among hospitalized paediatric patients at the Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in the department of otorhinolaryngology. Aims and objective were to determine the pattern of otorhinolaryngology diseases among paediatric patients.

Methods This retrospective study is conducted in the otorhinolaryngology department of Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), Dibrugarh, Assam, from January 2023 to December 2023. The study was done on pediatric patients aged 0-12 years, presenting and admitted to the department of otorhinolaryngology, Assam Medical College and Hospital.

Results A total of 144 cases are studied, which includes 73 males and 71 females with a male-to-female ratio of 1.03: 1. The most common otorhinolaryngological problem noted in our study was foreign bodies (29.86%) and diseases were chronic otitis media (4.16%), cervical lymphadenopathy (4.16%) and epistaxis (4.16%). Maximum cases were admitted in November (12.5%) and minimum cases were admitted in October (4.17%).

Conclusions In the paediatric age range, otolaryngology emergencies are not unusual. Although the risk of death is low, there is a chance of increasing complications. The most common otorhinolaryngological problem noted in our study was foreign bodies and diseases were chronic otitis media, cervical lymphadenopathy and epistaxis. Parent and caretaker education about the diseases and prevention shall help limit the mortality and complications.